Pop Star on Ice

I'm pretty sure Johnny Weir is the only figure skater who has his own series on the Sundance Channel. The website for the “Be Good, Johnny Weir” show sells his official warm-up jackets, so wannabe “Fashion-ice-stas” can “own a piece of Johnny.” This is a clear sign that this figure skating phenomenon, who participated in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, placed fifth at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, and is a three-time National Champion, is a bona fide pop star. Johnny Weir is the Oscar Wilde of the skating world, known for his quick wit and his fashion sense – not to mention the “sparkly onesie” costumes he designs himself. Raised in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, he began skating at 12 by sailing along the ice on a frozen corn field; four years later, he was the World Junior Champion. Johnny himself narrates POP STAR ON ICE as the filmmakers follow him through two years of training and wildly inconsistent competitions. Screaming fans and sports commentators are alternately thrilled or repelled by his provocative behavior, both on and off the ice. His affinity for being photographed in high heels and furs, and his refusal to censor himself, sometimes trip him up. At least he's never boring. – B.B.